Looking For Sword/Saber Buying Tips.

[bobbss]

I'm hoping to by my first sword/saber very soon and I'm looking for some tips. While it doesn't have to be rare, perfect or super high quality, I do want my first one to be fairly nice, and I'm wanting and 1860. I can be a little less picky and more flexible after the first one.

My biggest concerns are, making sure it is 100% authentic, complete and original. I don't want anything that has been refinished or repaired.
Making sure that the manufactured date is one that would have actually been issued to someone during the war. I think I read on here somewhere that some swords that were made in 1864 were never issued, and the war didn't start until 1861, so I'm thinking it would need to have a 1862-1863 date to know it was issued for the war. Would that be true?
While I'd like to get a great deal, I'm more worried about just getting a reasonable deal and not getting ripped off. From what I'm seeing online, I'm thinking around 900-1200 should get me something I like.
Are there any manufactures that I should avoid for any reason?
Are there any online dealers that you would recommend buying from, or to avoid? Again, I'm more worried about buying the real deal than anything.

Thanks for any and all advice!
Bob

 

[bobinwmass]

I have bought several times from Shiloh Civil War Relics. Rafael is honest and knowledgeable, his prices are pretty fair (but you should always look around), and he guarantees authenticity without time limit to the original buyer.

 

[UCVRelics]

Great Question. First thing is deciding what type sword you want. Cavalry, Officers etc. Then do your research. Its best to attend CW shows hold them in your hand, ask question and don't be in a hurry. You will know when its right. If buying online make sure they offer returns without NO restock fee.

 

[captaindrew]

Just starting out buying from a reputable dealer would be a safe bet such as Shiloh Relics, Horse Soldier, or of course our very own @UCVRelics who replied above. Your price range should be able to get something pretty nice unless it's proven Confederate or proven to have belonged to a specific person then the price goes up.

 

[redbob]

I'm hoping to by my first sword/saber very soon and I'm looking for some tips. While it doesn't have to be rare, perfect or super high quality, I do want my first one to be fairly nice, and I'm wanting and 1860. I can be a little less picky and more flexible after the first one.

My biggest concerns are, making sure it is 100% authentic, complete and original. I don't want anything that has been refinished or repaired.
Making sure that the manufactured date is one that would have actually been issued to someone during the war. I think I read on here somewhere that some swords that were made in 1864 were never issued, and the war didn't start until 1861, so I'm thinking it would need to have a 1862-1863 date to know it was issued for the war. Would that be true?
While I'd like to get a great deal, I'm more worried about just getting a reasonable deal and not getting ripped off. From what I'm seeing online, I'm thinking around 900-1200 should get me something I like.
Are there any manufactures that I should avoid for any reason?
Are there any online dealers that you would recommend buying from, or to avoid? Again, I'm more worried about buying the real deal than anything.

Thanks for any and all advice!
Bob

Decide what you want and then research the fire out of it. Knowledge is power and the more you know the better off you are. Plus, buy from a reputable dealer who has something to lose if they attempt to take advantage of you.

 

[Salterr]

There's no guarantee that it was issued just because of the date. You will have to look for wear in the grip, blade condition, bends in the scabbard or hand guard. Wear on the drag, identification inscriptions or inventory marks to really get to one that saw the war. The later war while less desirable by collectors are still the real deal and more affordable. With some of the swords, the earlier date the higher the price just from a manufacturing standpoint. There's just simply less of them that were made. If you want to seriously collect I would suggest you buy the best you can afford. Buying cheap damaged pieces won't get you far on the resale value.

There's a ton of reputable dealers, without going through a huge paragraph you can find many of them on civilwardealers.com
At your price range it would be easy to find musician, NCO, cavalry, post war 1860 staff and artillery swords. The foot officer and field and staff swords will be in some
Cases just a touch out of reach unless they are missing a scabbard or something in a retail setting.

There aren't any I would necessarily avoid maker wise but there are signs of foreign import manufacturing to look for and names, the sword markings of a knights head or rabbits head, a crown over a G and many others along with a set screw in the scabbard near the throat will help you determine where they were made. Tiffany and co, Ames, Roby and many other names are good quality swords. Go with what speaks to you and enjoy!

 

[gjpratt]

In addition to Shiloh, @UCVRelics and Horse Sodier, I have also had nothing but good experiences dealing with Nick at Army of Tennessee Relics. He usually has swords that fit your objective in stock. https://www.armyoftennesseerelics.com/ And like @UCVRelics, you can discuss with him what you are looking for and they can find it for you. Do not hesitate to pick up the phone and call any one of these reputable dealers.

 

[bayonet]

Get the 2 books that are best on the subject. John Thillmann CIVIL WAR ARMY SWORDS and CIVIL WAR CAVALRY & ARTILLERY SWORDS. The Army one can be found for $90 but the Cav one is out of print and found for $300-400. I got lucky and found one and offered $200 under a year ago, they accepted. Mentioned Dealers are great and once you get experience Auctions are also great to get deals.

 

[bobbss]

Thanks! I'm wanting an 1860 cavalry for my first sword, and don't want it to be an import for now. As for the date, I'm just trying to increase my odds, and not get something that someone knows was never issued during the war.
I have never heard of a CW Show near me. I do go to gun shows when I can, and have picked up a few small CW items, but haven't seen many swords lately. That is one of the main reasons I'm looking to buy online. I've been looking and watching on Shiloh and Horse Soldier website, along with a few others. I think I've been on Army of Tennessee's website, will check them out for sure.

 

[R. Porter]

There is lots of good advice here. If you plan to be buying a few swords in the future, as in a few years or even decades, I suggest getting books first. Thillmann's are the Bibles for Union swords. If you are thinking cavalry swords you should start looking for Thillmann's out of print book and see if you can get one as low as $200 also. Frankly, I'm surprised one was obtained that low. Usually they are in the $350 to $450 range and I don't expect them to be getting cheaper. Thillmann's book holds a wealth of information and can even influence how you decide to build a collection.

Confederate swords are a different kettle of fish. They are out of your stated price range unless you go for a broken relic and even then it is unlikely to be documented in a book. Stick with standard Union swords for a while until you get a feel for them and have saved up a big pot of money.

Don't be afraid to ask for advice. It's always more fun if you can go to an established dealer in person and talk to them. You might get to hold some nice swords and you might hear some neat stories.

 

[bayonet]

There is lots of good advice here. If you plan to be buying a few swords in the future, as in a few years or even decades, I suggest getting books first. Thillmann's are the Bibles for Union swords. If you are thinking cavalry swords you should start looking for Thillmann's out of print book and see if you can get one as low as $200 also. Frankly, I'm surprised one was obtained that low. Usually they are in the $350 to $450 range and I don't expect them to be getting cheaper. Thillmann's book holds a wealth of information and can even influence how you decide to build a collection.

Confederate swords are a different kettle of fish. They are out of your stated price range unless you go for a broken relic and even then it is unlikely to be documented in a book. Stick with standard Union swords for a while until you get a feel for them and have saved up a big pot of money.

Don't be afraid to ask for advice. It's always more fun if you can go to an established dealer in person and talk to them. You might get to hold some nice swords and you might hear some neat stories.

Your right my error on the book price. Now ready for the real surprise Porter? It was not $200 but $199 from Macybooks out of Leslie, Michigan and I found it on AMAZON of all places. I think she covered shipping too.

Here's to me!

 

[Old Soldier]

Buying bladed weapons
Rule No1 Don't believe a word the seller tells you.
Rule No2 Know what you are looking for (see the books, museums and collectors FIRST)
Rule No3 Don't buy it because it looks good.

Bear in mind the the makers name on the blade can not only come from the USA but Sheffield (UK) or Solingen (Germany)

 

[JackADriscoll]

And before you pull the trigger post it here if you like and we can tell you if it's a fair deal etc. we're here to help and learn in kind

 

[bobbss]

Thanks for all the replies so far! I don't know if I'll ever buy many swords but will keep my eye out for a good deal on Thillmann's first book. I know it can save you money in the long run but over $300 for a book seems to be a lot. Hopefully for now I can find a dealer I can trust. I've been looking for some in the St. Louis area but haven't found any. If someone knows of any, please let me know.

 

[Salterr]

Thank for all the replies so far! I don't know if I'll ever buy many swords but will keep my eye out for a good deal on Thillmann's first book. I know it can save you money in the long run but over $300 for a book seems to be a lot. Hopefully for now I can find a dealer I can trust. I've been looking for some in the St. Louis area but haven't found any. If someone knows of any, please let me know.

You won't need Thillman if you just want one sword but it's very important if you'll make a collection. That $300 could potentially save you $3,000 if you were to buy a bad sword or one falsely inscribed. His blue book is the expensive one but he also has a red book which is much cheaper around $80. Take a look at that website I sent. A lot of trustworthy dealers who guarantee their pieces can be found there.

 

[JOHN42768]

As others have offered info for you I might add stick with a reliable honest dealer. If you do find yourself addicted buy books first.

 

[bayonet]

Many Dealer website have Links to other Dealers. So surf the web and see what you want. Which I believe you mentioned was a early 1860 Cav Saber. So get ready to spend $600 to $1200 depending on condition. Once you get experience Auctions can get you a great deal. My first sword many many years ago was a 1860 Cav Saber dated 1859. About 2 years ago I bid the lowest on another one (don't ask me why) and won. Only problem was the grip wire was missing. Ordered the wire from Tom Nardi and repaired it myself. Side by side I can't tell the difference between them. Recently got a Horstmann 1821 sword missing the wire. No problem again ordered the right color wire and repaired it myself. Looks just fine and whose gonna known when I'm dead and gone!

 

[bobbss]

Thanks again! From what I'm reading the blue book is the best and the red book isn't a replacement for it? When I started buying old guns I bought a few books, so I know they can help a lot. They were a lot cheaper. lol! Even if I buy a book, I will probably try to stick with trustworthy dealers as best as I can.
I've been on civilwardealers.com, and I think I've been on every site there. I see a few dealers that have some that would probably be good. If any of you happen to be on any sites and see something you think I should consider, please let me know.
Thanks!

 

[bayonet]

Thanks again! From what I'm reading the blue book is the best and the red book isn't a replacement for it? When I started buying old guns I bought a few books, so I know they can help a lot. They were a lot cheaper. lol! Even if I buy a book, I will probably try to stick with trustworthy dealers as best as I can.
I've been on civilwardealers.com, and I think I've been on every site there. I see a few dealers that have some that would probably be good. If any of you happen to be on any sites and see something you think I should consider, please let me know.
Thanks!

No one book is about Cavalry & Artillery SABERS and the other just Army SWORDS. Big difference

 

[Terry13]

I have bought several times from Shiloh Civil War Relics. Rafael is honest and knowledgeable, his prices are pretty fair (but you should always look around), and he guarantees authenticity without time limit to the original buyer.

I too have bought many items from shiloh relics and have never been disappointed with my purchases.